Monday, October 29, 2012

acrylic 16 x 8 inches,
I really love this little palette knife painting ( I don't know why I forgot to post it ). It's simple and bold. I didn't fuss...it almost looks like a Plein Air painting. I was experimenting with a premixed neutral to which I added different pigments, to harmonize. I wanted to bring out the light using surrounding greys.Not sure I want to part with this one.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

The FCA Calgary put on a great show yesterday. Over 400 visitors and 40 + artists displaying a diverse array of quality juried paintings. It was nice to take a break from my basement studio to mingle with other artists and interact with the public about my art. That's one thing I really miss. After shipping my work to the gallery, most times, I never get to see the public reaction. It's nice to get your ego stroked every now and then, especially when an artist is often riddled with self doubt.

This is the demo I did in the afternoon. I worked quite quickly and enjoyed all the comments and questions.

Friday, October 26, 2012

The start of my large canvases depicting my Plein air experiences from the Purcell Mountain Lodge in BC. It's going to take some getting used to painting large again and a challenge to try and capture the looseness and spontaneity of the smaller studies.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

As much fun as it was to work on these urban scenes,( and I have sooo much more to explore and learn!) I have to concentrate on mountain Galleries and paint landscapes for the rest of the year. And I'm so excited about these large canvases I'm working on.

Monday, October 22, 2012

These tiny street scenes didn't take as long as I thought to finish,as they are a little different and smaller than I'm used to. I tried not to get too finicky with them.You'll be able to find these at the Leighton Art Centre,Christmas fundraiser in Nov.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Working on a few cows along with some urban scenes for the 'Leighton Centre Christmas in The Country' funraiser. I will be volunteering the weekend of Nov 2nd-4th so drop by if you are around. leighton Centre

Opening Night Nov 2nd 4-7 pm

This special opening night allows you an exclusive first look at The Christmas in the Country Art Sale at the Leighton Art Centre. This annual seasonal highlight featuring works by over 100 Alberta artists. You don't want to miss this chance to support our local artist and artisans!

You will find original unframed art and fine craft, plus live music, festive treats and so much more!

Friday, October 19, 2012

I was thrilled to find out my painting,'Close To The Edge' was awarded first place in the up coming FCA Calgary show. 'Mad About Art' is a juried ( from Vanvouver) exhibition featuring 40+ artists from Alberta. The one day show is on Oct27th from 10 to 4 pm,you can find more information and directions at FCA Calgary website . I will de doing an acrylic demo dauring the day,so if you are in the area,stop by and say hi.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

One of the tiniest paintings I have done in a long time and I was hoping to be loose and free but I spent more time and fiddled with this one way more than I would have liked. I'm sure with oils I wouldn't have the same problem...trying to blend and watching my edges. Maybe I'll have to back to my interactive's ( similar to 'open') when using a brush for these urban scenes. However, I'll keep plugging and maybe magically I'll stumble across an easier way that works for me.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

I decided today would be a play day and do a little experimenting. After finishing my demo and working on my commission ( she wasn't quite satisfied with it...sigh),I need a break from my normal work. These were fun to do but I need to see where I can improve. Both are square format, 'In Training',16x16 and 'Cocktail Hour',12 x12.

Friday, October 12, 2012

I'm finished my two demo paintings I had started at Banff. One is a commission of a painting I had done about a year ago of Moraine Lake ( 24 x 36). The other is from Purcell Mountain Lodge paint out with Wendy Wacko of Mountain Galleries medium size 24 x 30)... I'm gearing up to do some really large canvases.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Alice and I in the back, and a guest in front trying her hand at painting. ( photos by Doug Johnston)

Back from an overnight trip to Banff to paint ( with fellow Calgary artist Alice Helwig ) a demo for Mountain Galleries at the Banff Springs Hotel in one of their beautiful ball rooms. The room was dimly lit and set up as a fancy cocktail bar with stand up tables draped in white table clothes and servers passing around hot hor d'oeuvres...and then there was us. With our painting easels, plastic table coverings,brown paper on the floor and our 'dirty' painting clothes,the spotlight was on us.. Painting in front of a large group ( 600+ ), is still relatively new for me ,but having Alice there was a huge help as we interacted and tried to paint. Mountain Galleries also had a blank canvas set up to invite guests to add a few splashes of color.Guests were timid at first,but by the end of the night the canvas was full thanks to the encouragement of gallery staff John and Aimee and artist friend Douglas Johnston ( thank-you ). It was a very successful evening, and we capped it off with some beer and pizza afterward.

Monday, October 8, 2012

This mountain scene was started in Brian Atyeo's workshop. Trying different techniques ( and not using my pallet knife),it went through many stages of metamorphosis. After trying many suggestions, the painting was left unfinished ( see photo image). In my studio, I felt it strayed too far from my style and it made me uncomfortable. I made many adjustments while still trying to capture Brian's recommendations, I think the final painting is more 'me'

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Brian Ayteo's workshop was a very intense 5 days of painting. My 'roomies' and painting buddies were all keeners and we painted well into the late evening every night. The Whistler girls, Susie Chipolla,Andrea Moore,Doria Moodie,and Lianne Gulka along with my fellow Calgarian and veteran Janie Lockwood were tons of fun and very talented ladies.River Rock Studio was a wonderful artist retreat in the middle of the Rocky Mountain foothills surrounded by forest and rivers.

I tried to have an open mind as I explored different techniques and subject matter outside of my comfort zone. I had very few successes, and that was to be expected but I did pick up some very useful information and tips.I will share with you a few paintings but many of them still need work.

No one seemed to like my 'Kitties'.It was painted late a night after a couple of cool ones ( I normally don't work at night and I never drink and paint). I pretended I was different artist and had such fun! My husband didn't like it,nor did our son,so I hung the painting in our spare bedroom. When our daughter came to stay she asked for it to be removed as it 'creeped her out'. "Its just not like you".Oh well,I like it!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

I recently attended a Brian Ateyo workshop.He's a fabulous teacher and artist.My painting companions were wonderfully enthusiastic and hard working ( we painted well into the evening every day ). I painted several canvases ( none of which I'm satisfied with or are finished...will post later). One of my highlights was on my last day, after watching Brians demo, I attempting a floral. Both subject matter and technique were way out of my comfort zone. Brian asked if he could paint on it and show me. Absolutely! I replied. He basically painted over the whole canvas with maybe bits of my underpainting and textures showing through.We both signed it and now I have my own Brian Ateyo hanging on my wall. Thrilling!